✈️ Flight Guide: San Diego (SAN) → Manila (MNL)

May is a month of cultural observances in the Philippines that can enhance your trip after flying from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Key highlights include Flores de Mayo and its pageants like the Santacruzan—colorful religious and community celebrations across towns and Manila neighborhoods. Labor Day (May 1) can affect business hours and local transport. Tourist spots near Manila like Tagaytay or beach destinations such as Boracay and Palawan may host smaller local events and weekend markets. Travelers should book accommodations early for popular festival weekends, and plan extra travel time between events and the airport since local traffic can intensify during celebrations.

Extra Tips

• Check festival dates locally — many events are held in late May for Flores de Mayo celebrations.
• Book hotels in Makati or BGC early for festival weekends to secure best rates.
• Expect altered public transport schedules around major festivities and plan airport transfers accordingly.

The best time to fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in May is early to mid-May on weekdays for a balance of lower fares and fewer crowds. Avoid the Memorial Day weekend spike in late May if possible, as U.S. domestic travel demand pushes prices up. For comfort, pick itineraries with a single long international leg (often via LAX) to reduce multiple connections. If you prefer cooler travel conditions in the Philippines, consider shifting to late November–February; however, May offers shoulder-season pricing and thinner tourist crowds in some destinations.

Direct nonstop flights are generally not available from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), so connecting flights are the default in May. Pros of connecting: lower fares, more scheduling options, and the ability to use multiple carriers for loyalty benefits. Cons: longer total travel time, increased risk of missed connections, and potential baggage re-checks. Recommended connecting hubs: Los Angeles (LAX) for the most streamlined one-stop itineraries, or San Francisco (SFO), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), and Hong Kong (HKG) depending on preferred carriers and loyalty programs. For May travel, choose connections with at least 90–120 minutes at domestic hubs and 2–3+ hours for international-to-international transfers to reduce stress.

Top carrier options for San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) travel involve combinations of U.S. carriers and Asian/Pacific airlines. Philippine Airlines (often via LAX) offers seamless Manila-focused routing and Philippine domestic connections. ANA and Japan Airlines provide reliable Tokyo connections with strong service and baggage allowances. EVA Air provides Taipei connections with competitive fares and good premium economy options. Korean Air and Asiana (via Seoul) and Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) are also common, each offering varied seat comfort, lounge access and differing checked baggage policies. When comparing in May, evaluate total journey time, layover duration, in-flight comfort, baggage fees, and alliance benefits. Use primary keyword 'San Diego to Manila flights May' while comparing to find the best balance of price and convenience.

Packing and preparation for a May trip from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) should prioritize heat and sudden rain. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, a compact rain jacket or umbrella, and reliable insect repellent for island destinations. Hydration and acclimatization are important—Manila can be humid and hot. Verify international entry requirements and currency access: exchange a small amount of Philippine pesos before arrival and use ATMs at the airport for additional cash. For transit risk mitigation, purchase flexible tickets or add travel insurance to cover delays; choose connections with at least a 2–3 hour buffer for international transfers. Finally, download offline maps and secure a local SIM/eSIM on arrival for navigation and ride-hailing apps.

There are usually no nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL); expect one-stop or two-stop travel in May. Typical itineraries: SAN → LAX (1.5 hr) → LAX → MNL (≈13–14 hr) for a total of 16–20+ hours including layovers; or SAN → SFO → NRT → MNL for 18–24+ hours depending on connection times. Overnight red-eye segments are common on transpacific legs. Airlines run seasonal schedule tweaks in May—Philippine Airlines (via LAX), ANA/JAL (via Tokyo), EVA Air (via Taipei), Korean Air (via Seoul), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) and United/Delta code-shares provide connecting options. For exact May departure dates and times, check live airline schedules and use flight alerts to lock in the best itinerary.

Finding cheap San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) flights in May requires flexibility and strategy. Typical round-trip fares in May range from approximately $700–$1,300 depending on routing and carrier; one-stop connections via LAX or SFO are often cheaper than multi-stop Asian routings. To lower costs: search mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday), set fare alerts, compare flights that connect through major hubs (LAX, SFO, NRT, ICN, HKG), and be open to red-eye or longer layover options. Consider booking ~6–10 weeks ahead of travel for the best combination of price and schedule. Use primary keywords like 'San Diego to Manila flights May' in searches and sign up for airline newsletters for flash sales. Ready to save? Activate price trackers and compare one-stop versus two-stop fares to find the best SAN to MNL deal for May.